Silicosis is caused by inhaling silica over a long period of time. Silica is a common, crystal-like mineral found in sand, rock, and quartz. People who work with stone, concrete, glass, or other rock materials are at higher risk.

Any level of silica exposure can result in silicosis.

  • Acute silicosis develops within a few weeks to months after high-level silica exposure. This condition progresses rapidly.
  • Accelerated silicosis develops 5 to 10 years after exposure.
  • Chronic silicosis occurs 10 years or more after silica exposure. Even low exposure levels can cause chronic silicosis.

Silica dust particles act like tiny blades in the lungs, creating small cuts that can scar the lung tissue when inhaled through the nose or mouth. Scarring reduces the amount of oxygen the lungs can transfer to the blood.

Factory, mining, and masonry workers are at the greatest risk of silicosis because they handle silica in their work.

People who work in the following industries are at greatest risk:

  • asphalt manufacturing
  • concrete production
  • crushing or drilling rock and concrete
  • demolition work
  • glass manufacturing
  • masonry
  • mining
  • quarrying
  • sandblasting
  • tunneling

Workers in high risk industries and their employers must take steps to protect against silica exposure.

In the past 5 years, an increasing number of people who worked with granite or quartz countertops have been diagnosed with silicosis. This type of engineered stone produces more dust than natural stone.

Silicosis is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. Symptoms may start out as an intense cough, shortness of breath, or weakness. Other possible symptoms include:

  • chest pain
  • fever
  • night sweats
  • weight loss
  • respiratory failure

Having silicosis increases your risk for respiratory infections, including tuberculosis. It also increases the risk of lung cancer.

Should seek medical attention if you suspect you have silicosis. Your doctor will ask questions about when or how you may have been exposed to silica. They can test your lung function with pulmonary function tests.

A chest X-ray can test for any scar tissue you may have. Silica scars appear on X-rays as small, white spots.

A bronchoscopy may also be conducted. This procedure involves passing a thin, flexible tube down the throat. A camera attached to the tube allows the physician to view the lung tissue. Tissue and fluid samples can also be taken during a bronchoscopy.

Silicosis doesn’t have one specific medical treatment, and treatment cannot reverse any lung damage. The aim of treatment will be to reduce your symptoms and prevent further damage to the lungs.

Cough medication can help with cough symptoms, and antibiotics can help treat bacterial respiratory infections. Inhalers can also be used to open up the airways. Some patients wear oxygen masks to increase the amount of oxygen in their blood.

Avoid further silica exposure if you have silicosis. Quitting smoking is also recommended, as smoking damages lung tissue.

People with silicosis are at increased risk for tuberculosis (TB), so regular TB testing is a good idea. A physician can prescribe medications to treat TB infections.

Patients with severe silicosis may require a lung transplant.

Workers can wear special masks called respirators to keep from inhaling silica. These masks may be marked for “abrasive blasting” use.

Water sprays and wet cutting methods reduce the risk of silica exposure. Workplaces should meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. This includes proper ventilation and monitoring air quality at worksites to ensure that there’s no excess silica in the air. Employers must report all diagnosed incidents of silicosis.

Workers should not eat, drink, or smoke near dust that may contain silica and should wash their hands first to remove any dust present.